Life After Diets

Recovery from disordered eating doesn't end the moment bingeing stops — that's often where an entirely new phase begins. In this episode, Stef and Sarah unpack the often-overlooked "middle ground" of recovery — the stage where the chaos of bingeing has quieted, but true peace with food still feels out of reach.

Stef describes this phase as a kind of emotional limbo: the urgency is gone, but now there's loneliness, uncertainty, and a disorienting sense of now what?. Sarah shares how she moved from bingeing to occasional overeating, and how easy it was to slip into black-and-white thinking without recognizing the real progress she'd already made.

Together, they explore:

• what this "no man's land" actually looks and feels like

• why it's normal to struggle more with self-image once the bingeing stops

• the importance of community, language, and support during this time

• how to build trust in yourself before everything feels fully healed

• why this middle stage isn't failure — it's where real integration happens

If you're past the acute phase but still don't feel "recovered," this conversation will help you name where you are, trust the process, and move forward with more clarity (and less self-judgment).

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Substack - www.substack.com/@iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

Marcus returns as the only guest we've ever invited back to the podcast, and in this conversation, he opens up about his evolving understanding of neurodivergence — particularly through the lens of autism — and how that realization has reshaped his recovery from an eating disorder, his relationships, and his sense of self.

With honesty, nuance, and hard-won clarity, Marcus shares what it's been like to recognize autistic traits later in life, to untangle years of masking, and to reframe behaviors that once felt like personal failings as natural responses to a world not built for his brain.

We talk about the overlap between autism and disordered eating, the tension between sensory overwhelm and nourishment, and the emotional weight of trying to function in social environments that feel confusing or unsafe.

This episode moves slowly and intentionally through themes of identity, regulation, emotional flooding, and the pressure to "get it right" in recovery. It's a conversation for anyone who's ever suspected that their struggles with food, emotion, or connection might be rooted in something deeper than what's visible, and for anyone curious about the intersection of neurodivergence and healing.

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Substack - www.substack.com/@iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

You'd think feeling bad about your body would make you eat less. But often, it does the opposite — and no, you're not broken for that.

In this episode, we talk about the counterintuitive link between body image spirals and the urge to binge eat. We share our own experiences of how fear, shame, and catastrophizing can kick off the cycle — sometimes even before any actual restriction happens. From the mental scarcity that shows up just at the idea of cutting back, to the sensory panic of tight jeans, we explore what's really going on beneath the surface.

We also talk about:

• Why planning to restrict often triggers the binge

• The role of black-and-white thinking and emotional escape

• How body discomfort creates urgency to numb out

• Practical strategies for de-escalating the moment (including algorithm cleanup and body neutrality)

Plus, we share some food updates, lighter moments, and how this overlaps with topics from our other podcast, Feelings and Other Inconveniences.

If you've ever felt confused or ashamed about bingeing after a "bad body day," this episode will help you understand why — and what to do about it.

Love the episode? Leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform — it helps more than you'd think (and yes, we actually read them).

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

What takes up space in your mind when food no longer does? In this live episode with the Life After Diets community, we explore what happens when food obsession fades. Do we land in a new identity with different thoughts and interests? Or do we find new mental fixations waiting in the wings? From identity shifts and social anxiety to ego, neurodivergence, and the need for stimulation, we dig into what it really means to reclaim your mental real estate. A candid, insightful conversation about what comes next in life after diets. 01:08 Personal Experiences with Obsession 02:43 Finding New Focus and Purpose 04:15 Balancing Life and Recovery 05:28 Exploring Identity Beyond Food 20:48 Dealing with Social Anxiety and Self-Perception 21:29 Common Replacements for Food Obsessions 24:00 Embracing Downtime and Self-Care 25:22 Intentional Living 26:19 Exploring Neurodiversity and Monotropism 27:57 Challenges with Transitions and Coping Mechanisms 30:23 Secondary Stimulation 39:02 Ego Self and Higher Consciousness

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

Ever feel like food is the only way you're allowed to rest?

In this episode, we dive into the complicated overlap between rest, productivity, and eating — especially when slowing down feels wrong.

We talk about using food to procrastinate, to collapse, or "let go" … and the cultural guilt that makes true rest so hard to claim.

If you've ever felt anxious doing nothing (unless snacks are involved), this one goes there.

00:49 The Struggle with Rest and Productivity 01:38 Exploring the Concept of Rest 03:36 Restorative Activities and Personal Reflections 05:58 The Role of Food in Rest and Procrastination 17:01 The Fear of Losing Momentum 18:49 Understanding Compulsive Eating 19:12 Functional vs. Emotional Eating 19:54 Binge Eating as a Coping Mechanism 20:56 The Pressure to Keep Going 21:51 Balancing Responsibilities and Self-Care 23:56 The Importance of Rest 25:00 Personal Experiences with Overcommitment 29:13 Navigating Hyper Productivity 35:20 The Right to Rest and Restore

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

This week, we're talking boundaries—the invisible lines that protect our time, energy, and sanity (when we actually enforce them).

Stef and Sarah unpack what boundaries really are (hint: not just saying "no"), how they show up in our bodies, our relationships, and our work—and why so many of us struggle to hold them.

From family dynamics to friend drama, people-pleasing traps to food boundaries, they share real stories of what it takes to define and defend your limits without guilt.

They also get into the psychology behind rigid vs. porous boundaries, how social conditioning makes it harder for some of us to draw the line, and why clear communication isn't just helpful—it's essential.

If you've ever felt like setting a boundary makes you mean—or like you're constantly betraying yourself just to avoid conflict—this conversation is for you.

Tune in for a candid, compassionate look at how to honor your needs and why boundaries aren't just protective… they're a form of kindness.

01:09 Defining Boundaries 02:20 Types of Boundaries 04:09 Personal Experiences with Boundaries 08:09 Boundaries in Relationships 10:32 Communicating Boundaries Effectively 11:41 Challenges in Setting Boundaries 13:11 Owning Your Boundaries 21:23 The Importance of Clear Communication 22:56 Setting Boundaries with Family 24:35 Navigating Boundaries in Friendships 26:41 Balancing Personal and Professional Boundaries 28:56 Understanding Boundaries in Therapy 34:57 Boundaries and Food Relationships 40:55 Concluding Thoughts on Boundaries

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

In this episode, the hosts introduce their guest Nicola Salmon, a fertility coach with a medical science background who advocates for fat-positive fertility.

Nicola shares strategies for navigating the biases in fertility healthcare systems, especially for those in bigger bodies.

She discusses her journey, the myths around fertility in fat bodies, and the challenges posed by current medical practices, including BMI restrictions and the implications of GLP-1 medications.

Nicola also offers insights on advocating for oneself in medical settings and emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and safe environment.

The conversation covers practical advice, highlights the emotional aspects of the journey, and aims to provide both hope and actionable steps for those struggling with fertility and fat bias.

MEET Nicola Salmon

Fat Positive Fertility Membership on KOFI

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

In our epic 200th episode, we celebrate nearly four years of non-stop conversations without missing a single week! We dive into listener questions, sharing our (sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious) insights on binge eating recovery, talking to kids about food, and handling body insecurities. We reveal a little about ourselves with a fun quiz—you'll find out who's the over-packer and who's likely to adopt a stray pet on impulse. Stick around for the grand finale: a HUGE announcement that'll have you scrolling to the end, and nope, it's not us quitting the podcast. You won't want to miss this celebration. Join us! 00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration 00:52 Reflecting on Past Episodes 01:11 Plans for the 200th Episode 02:40 Q&A: Personal Experiences with Binge Eating 06:02 Q&A: Talking to Kids About Food 09:18 Q&A: Coping with Weight Gain and Body Grief 11:50 Q&A: Hormonal Cycles and Eating 19:47 Q&A: Intuitive Eating and Body Image 33:44 Discussing the Experience of Binge Eating 34:47 Lessons Learned from Each Other 38:31 Surprising Facts About Each Other 40:47 Fun Quiz Segment 51:06 Big Announcement

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

In episode 199, the hosts introduce and interview Anny Johnson from The Fat Ugly Blog. Anny shares her personal story of recovering from binge eating disorder and discusses the complexities of her journey as a black woman in recovery spaces. Despite technical hiccups during the introduction, Anny remains a captivating guest, shedding light on her experience of achieving her dream job as cabin crew, the ongoing challenges in body image, and the power of self-compassion. She speaks about reclaiming terms like 'fat' and 'ugly' and navigating through diet culture to find her own path to health and well-being. The episode emphasizes the importance of owning one's story and making personal, empowering choices.

Meet Anny:

• Website
• Instagram
• Upcoming book: "Fat Ugly"

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

In this live-streamed episode, Stef and Sarah explore the nuanced world of cravings — what drives them, how they differ from binge or overeating urges, and why they're often more complicated than they seem.

They discuss the physiological and emotional undercurrents behind cravings, from hormonal shifts to nervous system dysregulation, weaving in personal experiences — including Stef's two most memorable pregnancy cravings.

The conversation unpacks how cravings show up differently for restrictors versus permitters, how appetite and craving aren't always the same thing, and what it looks like to approach cravings from a more regulated, self-led mindset.

Rather than reducing cravings to something to fix or fear, this episode invites a deeper, more compassionate understanding of them — one that honors both biology and psychology.

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

01:27 Defining Cravings 03:02 Personal Experiences with Cravings 05:05 Cravings vs. Binge Urges 08:03 Cravings and Emotional Regulation 13:20 Cravings and Permission 16:40 Understanding the Root of Cravings 20:02 Pathology in Wellness Culture 20:51 PMS Cravings and Appetite 21:38 Understanding Cravings vs. Wants 24:31 The Role of Restriction in Cravings 29:45 Cravings and Recovery 33:26 Cravings vs. Urges

Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon